Newport’s Top Spots for a Nightcap
Handcrafted cocktails and warm summer nights? Name a better duo. We’ll wait…
There’s just something so dreamy about a salt-rimmed margarita or an ice-cold spritz on a balmy summer night! To say the least, it puts us in our happy place. And if summer sippin’ is your love language too, then we’ve got six local spots that’ll quench your thirst for an after-hours libation. From rooftop hangouts to sultry speakeasies, these Newport Beach establishments are the perfect place for a summer nightcap.
Possibly one of the trendiest spots in town, this rooftop bar and lounge is the ideal spot to catch a scenic sunset and enjoy an ice-cold drink. Topside Roof Deck is part of the chic and beachy Lido House hotel and offers a hip place to kick back, relax and enjoy time with friends. Settle into a comfy lounger and sip on a Topside Margarita (which comes with a popsicle!). You’ll dig the beach house vibes of this trendy bar—don’t forget your polaroid camera for some pics!
Since 1908, Stag Bar + Kitchen has remained a Newport Beach icon, serving up straight-forward libations to generations of locals and vacationers. This classic bar and restaurant on the Balboa Peninsula has since reinvented itself but still maintains the same rustic charm we all know and love. At Stag Bar, cocktails are crafted the old-fashioned way with premium spirits and seasonal, housemade fusions. Imbibers can also choose from the bar’s extensive beer selection and whiskey list that features 75 varieties!
For those in search of an island escape without the pricey plane ticket, Billy’s at the Beach is as tropical as it gets! Perched on the harbor’s edge, this Newport Beach establishment has served up the city’s freshest Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and cocktails for 20 years. Grab a seat on the tiki-style patio and opt for one of their world-famous mai tais made with Bacardi, Orange Curacao, Billy’s secret Mai Tai mix, Diamond Head Dark Rum and crushed ice. Nothing beats a Newport Beach sunset and a thirst-quenching Billy’s mai tai!
Adjacent to Five Crowns in Corona del Mar sits SideDoor—a cozy English-style gastropub with an old-world ambiance. Plush sofas, wood-paneled walls and hardwood benches make SideDoor an intimate spot for an after-hours libation. Snack on seasonal plates and choose from the pub’s collection of fine spirits, craft beer and wine. We love the smoked SideDoor Old Fashioned, but any selection from their “Library of Wine” is a good choice too.
Below CdM Restaurant lies a cozy, speakeasy-style concept with an American menu and exclusive, award-winning libations. Elements of red velvet, wood beams and low lighting make this hidden watering hole as sexy as it sounds. Sip on a craft cocktail, and be sure to snap some pics in the retro 1940’s photo booth! To find Under CdM, locate the staircase to the right of the main entrance that leads to the bar’s red upholstered leather door.
For those in search of waterfront views and live music, look no further than The Peninsula Lounge. This seaside restaurant and bar features classic cocktails and a menu inspired by Asian, French, Californian and vegan cuisines. Feast on fresh seafood offerings like ahi poke, oysters, Scottish Salmon and more! Head over for a late dinner or nightcap, and be sure to check the restaurant’s live entertainment calendar before you go. Word on the street is The Peninsula Lounge puts on some groovy Reggae Thursdays with a special drink menu!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
